Brew News: 7/7

As of 7/6: 43-39, 2nd place NL Central
Previous Game: Cubs 8, Brewers 2

The Brewers had Monday off after a rough four-day weekend series with the Cubs, in which the "Brew Crew" were only able to secure one win.

Braden Looper was the lone pitcher to get the full support of the Brewers' bats.

Jeff Suppan, on the other hand, was robbed of a win. He went seven innings and gave up only four hits and one run, but the Crew lost when Mark DiFelice walked Jake Fox with the bases loaded and two out in the bottom of the tenth bringing in the winning run for the Cubs.

So, now that those frustrations are gone, the Brewers embark on another important match, this time with the St. Louis Cardinals, who currently hold a one-game lead in the suddenly tight division, where 3.5 games separate five teams. Read Madison.com for more on this match-up.

After the series with the Cubs, Ryan Braun finally let his voice be heard. Braun is totally frustrated with the lack of quality starters in the Brewers' rotation, as is the rest of Milwaukee. He called out Melvin to make a deal to get another pitcher, and this time he angered GM Doug Melvin. Read that now.

Right Field Bleachers reports that after Braun made these comments, the Brewers were already looking at Atlanta Braves righty Javier Vazquez. This trade would have huge upside for the Crew, since Vazquez would be signed through next season. Read about it here.

Oh wait, nevermind—the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that to get him, the Crew would have to give up one of their off-limits prospects, Mat Gamel or Alcides escobar. Dagnabit. Read that.

However, the Fond du Lac reporter continues on recent reports that Manny Parra may be coming back after "a stellar outing Friday night against Round Rock, pitching seven scoreless innings and allowing only two hits and two walks while logging seven strikeouts." Read the rest here.

Meanwhile, JSOnline is also reporting that the Brewers are just trying to survive right now. The Brewers are embarking on a tough six-game home stand against the Cardinals and then the LA Dodgers...yeah, the MLB-leading Dodgers. Right now, they're only one game back, and if the Crew can hold firm at home, they could reposition themselves in first place heading to next weeks all star break. Check that out.

Tom Oates at Madison.com writes that the Brewers’ Braun and Fielder are the best hitting duo in baseball. I found this article after digging through the Bleacher Report, and I would have to agree. At this point, there aren’t a lot of huge combos except everyone in Philly. Since Philly is stacked, they don’t count. Read Madison.com.

Kyle Hulsebus has a nice piece at the Bleacher Report for the hardcore Brewer fans who love the Brewers no matter what. He sets it all on the line—he lets you hear why he loves the Brewers, and why it makes it easy to hate their moves. Take a look!

And now, it's time to vote for Prince Fielder as Clutch Performer of the month. Prince was about the only one consistent all of last month, and his numbers show it. I encourage you to vote now!

And speaking of Prince Fielder, it has been announced that he will compete in the Home Run Derby during next week's festivities. Let’s just hope that he doesn’t hit the swinging slump that sometimes follows after players have to change their swing for the competition! Read here.

And while we’re on the All-Star week topic, ESPN’s Rob Neyer makes a case for Yovani Gallardo, saying he was snubbed. I would have to agree, but he’ll have more opportunities in years to come. Read here.

And in a closing note, it has come time my attention that Huntsville may lose the Stars as a minor league affiliate due to concerns that they are unable to draw fans. Keep tuned.